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Opel Astra
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	Chevrolet Astra Holden Astra Vauxhall Astra Saturn Astra
Production	1991–present
Predecessor	Opel Kadett
Class	Small family car

See also Vauxhall Astra, Holden Astra, and Saturn Astra for the usage of the nameplate by other General Motors subsidiaries.

The Opel Astra is a small family car designed and manufactured by Opel, the European subsidiary of General Motors.

It is branded as an Opel in continental Europe, Japan, the Republic of Ireland, the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa, and India, as Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, as Holden in Australasia, and as Chevrolet in Latin America. In Russia, it is sold as both an Opel and Chevrolet. Starting on January 2, 2008, the vehicle will be exported to the United States and Canada, and be sold as a Saturn.

The Astra is now built in Germany, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Brazil, South Africa, India, Poland, Ukraine and Russia, as well as being assembled in CKD kits in other countries.

Contents 1 Naming convention 2 Astra F/A 3 Astra G/B 3.1 Bertone-designed Astra Coupé Turbo 3.2 Astra DTM 3.3 Astra XTreme 4 Astra H/C 4.1 Astra OPC/VXR 5 External links

As of 2006, there have been three generations of the vehicle. In a fashion typical for Opel models, they are designated with subsequent letters of the Latin alphabet. Opel's official convention is to continue the Opel Kadett lineage, thus referring to the first generation of Opel Astra as the Astra F (the last Opel Kadett was the Kadett E). Another convention used by GM starts with Astra A, adopting the notion that the Astra is a separate model. Models sold as Vauxhall, Holden or Chevrolet have different generation designations reflecting the history of those nameplates in their home markets and their naming conventions.

Astra F/A
Also called	Vauxhall Astra Opel Astra Classic Holden Astra Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Optima Opel Kadett (South Africa, hatchback only) Opel Astra II (Denmark, 1998-99)[citation needed]
Production	1991–2002
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door estate 5-door hatchback
Platform	FF T-body
Related	Opel Vectra

The Astra F debuted in 1991. With the Kadett E's successor, Opel adopted the Astra nameplate, which was already used by Vauxhall for the Kadett D and E (see Vauxhall Astra). It was offered as a three or five-door hatchback, a saloon (sedan), and an estate (wagon), known as the Caravan. A cabriolet was also offered, designed and built by Bertone in Italy. This car offered in centre,est Europe and Turkey for name Astra Classic for 1998 to 2002. The Astra F finished production in 2002.

The model was launched in South Africa in 1992, where it was produced under licence by Delta. However, the Kadett name was retained for the Astra hatchback until 1999. The South Afican Astra included a variant with a 2.0 L turbocharged engine called the 200tS which was produced in limited numbers in both sedan and hatchback guise. The engine (C20LET) in the 200tS was sourced from the Calibra 2.0 L turbo 4wd found on European markets, but local engineers converted the 6 speed drivetrain to front wheel drive only and as such was unique to that market. Sedan and station wagon models were offered under the Astra name. Controversially, the Kadett and Astra in South Africa won the title of 'Car of the Year' in two consecutive years (1993 and 1994) even though they were versions of the same car. South African nomenclature was denoted in decilitres, so the Astra and Kadett ranges featured 140, 160i, 180i and 200i models.

The Astra also became available in Australasia badged as a Holden, first in New Zealand in 1995, and then Australia in 1996. The first models were imported from the UK, but the current model is imported from Belgium. The original Holden Astra was originally a rebadged Nissan Pulsar, first sold to Ronan in the mid-1980s.

The Astra F consisted of two main revisions and was revised in 1995, with the launch of Opel's new Ecotec engine. For a short period, a submodel which consisted of parts from both revisions was produced. The submodel used all the new Ecotec running gear, but many parts from the previous revision were used in order to use up leftover parts. Other main changes included mildly-altered exterior styling, and availability of new specification models.^{[citation needed]}

Aside from the South Africa-only 200TS, the lead model was the GSi — a 2.0 L 16v petrol injected model with 147 bhp (110 kW), available as a 3-door only. It also featured sports bodykit and interior. The GSi too was updated in 1997, with the engine being replaced for a lower-powered but more modern 'Ecotec' version.

Common Engine Lineup for Astra F

Engine Model	Displ.	Power	Torque	Fueling System	Valvetrain	Compression Ratio
1.4i	1389 cc	44 kW @ 5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 ft·lbf) @ 2800 rpm	MPi	OHC	lack of data
14NV	1398 cc	55 kW @ 5800 rpm	110 N·m (81 ft·lbf) @ 3000 rpm	Carb	SOHC	9.4:1
14SE	1398 cc	60 kW @ 5600 rpm	115 N·m (85 ft·lbf) @ 3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
20SEH (South African Edition)	1998 cc	95 kW @ 5600 rpm	180 N·m (133 ft·lbf) @ 3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
20XE-LN (South African Edition)	1998 cc	110 kW	200 N·m (148 ft·lbf)	MPi Sequential	DOHC	9.8:1
20LET (Exclusive South African Edition)	1998 cc	150 kW	280 N·m (207 ft·lbf)	MPi Turbocharged	SOHC	8.8:1
C14NZ	1398 cc	44 kW @ 5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 ft·lbf) @ 2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.4:1
X14NZ	1398 cc	44 kW @ 5200 rpm	103 N·m (76 ft·lbf) @ 2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.4:1
C14SE	1389 cc	60 kW @5800 rpm	113 N·m (83 ft·lbf) @ 3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	10.0:1
C16NZ and X16SZR	1598 cc	55 kW @ 5200 rpm	125 N·m (92 ft·lbf) @ 2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.2:1
C16se	1598 cc	74 kW @ 5800 rpm	135 N·m (100 ft·lbf) @ 3400 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.8:1
X16SZ	1598 cc	52 kW @ 5000 rpm	128 N·m (94 ft·lbf) @ 2800 rpm	SPi	SOHC	10.0:1 (9.6:1 for X16XZR)
C18NZ	1796 cc	66 kW @ 5400 rpm	145 N·m (107 ft·lbf) @ 3000 rpm	SPi	SOHC	9.2:1
C20NE	1998 cc	85 kW @ 5400 rpm	170 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 2600 rpm	MPi	SOHC	9.2:1
X14XE(Ecotec)	1398 cc	66 kW @ 6000 rpm	125 N·m (92 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
X16XEL(Ecotec)	1598 cc	74 kW @ 6200 rpm	148 N·m (109 ft·lbf) @ 3500 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
C18XE	1794 cc	92 kW @ 5600 rpm	168 N·m (124 ft·lbf) @ 4800 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
C18XEL (Ecotec)	1798 cc	85 kW @ 5400 rpm	168 N·m (124 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
X18XE (Ecotec)	1794 cc	85 kW @ 5400 rpm	170 N·m (125 ft·lbf) @ 3600 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1
C20XE	1998 cc	110 kW @ 6000 rpm	196 N·m (145 ft·lbf) @ 4600 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.5:1
X20XEV (Ecotec)	1998 cc	100 kW @ 5400 rpm	185 N·m (136 ft·lbf) @ 4000 rpm	MPi	DOHC	10.8:1

Astra G/B
Also called	Chevrolet Astra Chevrolet Viva Opel Astra Classic Holden Astra Holden Astra Classic Vauxhall Astra
Production	1998–2003
Body style(s)	2-door convertible 2-door coupé 3-door hatchback 4-door saloon 5-door hatchback 5-door estate
Platform	FF GM2700/3000
Related	Opel Zafira

The Astra was launched in Europe in 1998. It was available as a 3 and 5-door hatchback, 4-door saloon and two special versions: the Astra Coupé and the Astra Cabrio, both of them designed and built by Bertone. The Astra G/B saw the introduction of a natural gas-powered engine. Its chassis was tuned by Lotus and formed the base of a seven-seater compact MPV, the Opel Zafira.

The manufacturing of Astra G/B continued at GM's Gliwice plant in Poland after the debut of the next-generation Astra H/C, with the older model being branded as Astra Classic in a similar fashion to its predecessor, catering to the lower end of the market. Apart from European markets, these models were sold in Australia and New Zealand as Holden Astra Classic, until they were replaced by the Holden Viva in 2006.

The Astra G/B continues as the locally-built Chevrolet Astra in Brazil. It was facelifted in 2003, and is sold in Brazil and other Latin American markets. In Brazil, the Astra G/B remains as the leader of its segment in sells since 1999.^{[citation needed]} The GM Brazilian 2.0 8v engine which equips the Astra has the "flexpower" technology, that allows the car to run on both gasoline/alcohol fuels, providing 121/127 hp (G/A) @ 5.200 rpm.

A taxi version of the Brazilian sourced model, powered with diesel is sold in Chile as the Chevy Taxi, and a gasoline powered one as the Chevy Urban.[1] [2]

In 2004, GM's Russian joint venture, GM-AvtoVAZ, launched the Chevrolet Viva, a four-door version of the Astra G/B. It is sold through Chevrolet dealers in Russia, while Opel dealers sell the newer Opel Astra H/C.

The Astra Coupe Turbo extends the heritage of high performance Astras which has included the likes of the mark III Astra GSi and GTE models between 1992 to 1998. The current Astra rally kit car brought Vauxhall the manufacturer's title in the 2000 British Rally Championship. The range topping Coupe Turbo is priced at £18,995 on the road, and will be the most powerful production Astra ever.

A sparkling new turbo-charged 2.0 litre 16v engine, minor modifications to the chassis, as well as styling enhancements inside and out, differentiate the Astra Coupe Turbo from the rest of the Coupe range.

Like the other models in the Astra Coupe line-up, the Turbo is built at Bertone in Italy. Total Coupe production for the first year was approximately 30,000, 5500 of which are coming into the UK. Of these, around 20% will be sales of the Turbo model.

The Astra Coupe Turbo's performance is courtesy of an engine developed specifically for the Coupe and then later used in other VX performance models e.g. VX220 Turbo, Zafira GSI and the Astra GSI.

Based on the ECOTEC 2.0 litre 16v 136PS engine, which has been available in Astra hatchback and Vectra models, its elements including the block, cylinder head and the two counter-rotating balancer shafts have been retained with only minor modifications.

However, the turbocharging system is all new and the consequent 190PS output results in a car which can reach 60 mph in only seven seconds.

The turbo engine develops its 190PS at 5400 rpm and delivers a maximum torque of 250Nm across a broad range - from 1950 rpm all the way to 5300 rpm. Performance is therefore spectacular, with a sprint time to 60 mph of just 7.0 seconds and a top speed of 152mph.

Despite this performance, the engine returns a combined fuel consumption figure of 31.7mpg.

The Astra Coupe Turbo is equipped with extensive, active safety features including ABS and integral TC Plus traction control. The anti-lock braking system incorporates electronic brake force distribution while the traction control operates on both the engine and brakes.

The braking system has been developed to match the potential performance of Astra Coupe Turbo on the road, with large 308mm ventilated brake discs at the front. All models are fitted with a 254mm brake servo to reduce pedal effort and enhance feel.

The Astra G series was also the basis for the Astra touring car, raced in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) series. Although several cars were entered in the races, only one, driven by Manuel Reuter, placed significantly; it took second in 2000. The car's bodywork featured gull-wing doors that were each supported by two gas struts. The race cars were mostly powered by 4.0L V-8 engines with nearly 500 horsepower (370 kW).

The Astra XTreme, a concept presented at the 2001 Geneva motor show, was a single-production V8 powered Astra based on the G-series Astra DTM. Like the DTM race car, it featured a 4.0L V8 engine, producing 444 horsepower (331 kW), gull-wing doors supported by gas struts., carbon fiber panels, and race-specification interior with five-point seatbelts.

Astra H/C
Also called	Vauxhall Astra Saturn Astra Holden Astra Chevrolet Vectra GT
Production	2004-present
Body style(s)	2-door coupé convertible 3-door hatchback 4-door sedan[citation needed] 5-door estate 5-door hatchback
Platform	FF Delta[citation needed]
Related	Opel Zafira

GM Europe launched Astra H/C in March 2004. Based on the then-new Delta platform,^{[citation needed]} its size was increased compared to the previous version. Each engine is provided with its own Lotus-tuned suspension settings.^{[citation needed]}

The Astra H/C was first launched as a five-door hatchback, which by the end of 2004 was joined by a five-door Caravan estate and a sporty three-door hatchback, designated the GTC for European markets, Sport Hatch in the UK and the Coupé in Australia. The GTC has the option of a windscreen called "panoramic windscreen" (unique for a production car at the time of its launch) which extends into the roof area.

Chevrolet do Brazil did not launch the Astra H/C production, keeping the previous model as Chevrolet Astra sold in many South American countries (yet the newer model is sold as Chevrolet Astra in Mexico and from 2006 in Chile), but it has developed a 4-door sedan based on the Astra H/C, which has been launched as the Chevrolet Vectra in 2005. On 19 October 2006 at the international auto show in Istanbul, Turkey, Opel launched this version of the sedan, to be manufactured in Gliwice as an Opel for several Eurasian markets. At that time, a 3-door van variant of the wagon was introduced by Vauxhall in Britain. In May 2007, GM Brazil announced the launch of the 5-door Astra H/C, as the Chevrolet Vectra GT, to differentiate from the already existing Astra G/B, which will remain in production.

A first for any major European car is the availability of digital radio on some versions of the new Astra, while for the Astra product class first are electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting). In 2005, the new Opel Astra Diesel-Electric Hybrid appeared. By the end of 2005, estate and coupé versions were also launched.

During 2005 Opel introduced the OPC version of the Astra GTC (Astra VXR in the UK) which is powered by an updated version of the 2.0 L turbo ecotec engine producing 240 PS (177 kW) and 320 N·m (236 ft·lbf) of torque. Standard features of the OPC version include sports bodykit and interior, a six-speed manual gearbox, xenon headlamps and 18" alloys wheels amongst others.

In 2006 to coincide with April Fools Day, Vauxhall announced a new piece of technology to tame its high-powered VXR models. As a response to critics who claimed the Astra VXR was too powerful, a fully-branded detachable padded mat was to be made available. This padded mat used Velcro fasteners to attach itself to the carpet beneath the accelerator pedal and prevented the throttle from being depressed fully and instantly reduced the power output to the lower levels of some rivals.

The product was cunningly named "Accelerator Pedal-Retarding Intervention Lump" (or AP-RIL), and was priced at just £104.06 (1-04-06), or 'about the same as two tanks of fool', it did not stop some half-sharp Vauxhall enthusiasts on Internet forums to insist the product was in fact real and even went as far as "confirming" the products authenticity with Vauxhall staff members.

• Official Astra website at opel.de (German)
• Official Astra website at opel.ie (English)
• Official Romanian Astra website at astraforum.ro (Romanian)
• Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid.
• Glossary of Technology and Innovations pertaining to the Astra TwinTop.
• Chevrolet VIVA produced by GM-AVTOVAZ

v • d • e Opel, a subsidiary of General Motors, road car timeline, 1980s-present
Type	1980s										1990s										2000s
	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Supermini				Corsa A										Corsa B								Corsa C						Corsa D
Small family car	Kadett C	Kadett D					Kadett E						Astra F							Astra G						Astra H
Large family car	Ascona B		Ascona C							Vectra A								Vectra B						Vectra C					Insignia
																								Signum
Executive car	Rekord E/Commodore C								Omega A							Omega B
Luxury car	Senator A/Monza								Senator B
Sports																Tigra										Tigra TwinTop
	Manta B											Calibra									Speedster							GT
Mini MPV																						Agila A						Agila B
																							Meriva A						Meriva B
Compact MPV																					Zafira A						Zafira B
Large MPV																		Sintra
SUV													Frontera A							Frontera B								Antara
														Monterey
LCVs																Combo A						Combo B
																					Arena					Vivaro
																				Movano